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Le Havre, France


Le Havre was the final port of the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta and closed the prestigious event in dramatic style with over 100,000 visitors enjoying the final day of celebrations. We are delighted to return to the city after 8 years as the start port of The Tall Ships Races 2025…

Le Havre is the largest city in Normandy, France, and the biggest container port in the country. It was built on the estuary of the River Seine by King François I, who decided to establish a harbour and walled city in 1517.

During the 19th century, the city prospered because of ship builders and traders. And, the famous transatlantic cruise liners between Le Havre and New-York made it one of the most prosperous ports in Europe until the 1930s.

Le Havre was devastated during the Second World War. However, the city was reconstructed by the famous architect Auguste Perret, known as a world leader and specialist in reinforced concrete construction. This noteworthy work has shown Le Havre to be one of the greatest examples of France’s post-war regeneration and optimism.